Memoir: The Joy of Ex

Divorce is the kiss of death for a relationship—or maybe not. Can a medical crisis heal the wounds of the past?

by Anna Monardo

Photograph: Brian Cronin

It can’t be scientifically proved, but I do believe that weekend was the beginning of the long conception that eventually brought Leo and me together. I probably would have found my way to single motherhood without my ex-husband, but I’m glad I didn’t have to. Years earlier, he had been the first and only man ever to whisper to me in the night, “Want to make a baby?”